NC pastor accused of multiple sex-related offenses, police report

The alleged incidents occurred on church property and at private residences.

Author:
Alex Shabad, Emma Korynta

Published:
11:01 AM EST December 6, 2018

Updated:
5:51 PM EST December 6, 2018

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The Gaston County Police Department has arrested a local pastor accused of multiple sex-related offenses.

According to police, 61-year-old Jerry Lewis Friday was arrested at his home on North Myrtle School Road, Gastonia on multiple sex-related offenses.

Police report Friday is the pastor at New Providence Baptist Church in Mount Holly.

Friday is accused of several sex crimes involving underage girls at the church. Police say some of the crimes happened at the Mount Holly church. Friday made first court appearance by video screen on Thursday afternoon.

He is charged with one count of felony statutory sex offense, four counts of felony indecent liberties with a child, one count of felony disseminating obscene material to a minor, and two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery.

The prosecutor reportedly asked the judge to set a high bond in the case. The judge set Friday’s bond at $1 million. The court hearing revealed more about the disturbing allegations, involving three different girls.

Multiple victims were identified during the investigation -- all were juveniles at the time of the offense, police say.

Tim Morton lives just steps away from New Providence Baptist Church. Morton says his grandson played outside at the church until he learned about the allegations against the pastor.